Mrs. Wilma May Ventrudo, age 96 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at Southbridge Pinewood with family by her side on May 16, 2024. Born November 14, 1927 in Fort William she was raised and educated in Westfort and attended Francis Street School. In her younger years she was employed at Chapples and O’Brien’s department store.
Wilma and Albert where married in 1947 and welcomed their sons Ronald and David soon after. Wilma then joined the family business, Consumer’s Foodland, and worked alongside her husband Bert and the rest of the Ventrudo family until she retired in 1975.
Wilma’s passion was her family and spending summers at Green Point and then their special cottage at Cloud Bay. Wilma’s love language was cooking and she would always be baking or preparing meals for her family and friends. Family traditions were important to Wilma and she would host weekly spaghetti nights, Christmas baking night with her sister Kay, Christmas tree decorating day, and Holiday dinners. Wilma loved reading, knitting, and daily walks with her best friend and sister-in-law Joyce.
Wilma, Bert, and Joyce, the three amigos, had many travel adventures with Hawaii being their favourite. Wilma’s greatest joy was being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would spend hours cooking, playing games, and spending time with them. Wilma had a special bond with her great-granddaughter Isabella and enjoyed cheering her on at soccer matches, as well as creating new recipes together and having Saturday lunches at the mall.
Wilma is survived by her son, Ronald; daughter-in-law, Deborah; grandchildren, Pamela (Ryan) Remenda, and Suzanne Ventrudo; great-grandchildren Isabella Logozzo, Alex Remenda, and Luke Nisula; her special niece, Jill (Dan) Zachary; and nephew, Dan (Sharon) Ventrudo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Wilma was predeceased by her husband, Albert; son, David; parents, Henry and Harriet McIIwain; brothers, Harry and Edward McIlwain; sisters, Kathleen Sample and Norah Gilham; brothers-in-law, Daniel and Eugene Ventrudo, and Al Gilham; sisters-in-law, Mary and Beatrice McIlwain and sister-in-law and best friend Joyce Ventrudo.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MS Society, TBRHSC Our Hearts at Home Campaign, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwafnic.com
